Quickfire Combo-Reviews: "Bombshells Annual" #1 / "Aquaman" #6 / "Batman" #6

"Bombshells" Annual #1: It sure looks fantastic, especially when artist Charretier wonderfully captures the atmosphere and look of 1910's France. But for all the narrative innovation and verve found in the annual's first part, the second part will largely disappoint with its uninspired dialogue and characterizations.

6/10

"Aquaman" #6: A bit of fresh air, here in the form of the President's right hand (a.k.a. Superman), might just be what this series needed, as it was in danger of drowning (get it!?) in mediocrity.

7/10

"Batman" #6: A heartfelt and truly excellent interlude before what promises to be an exciting new story arch. Tom King manages the almost impossible in offering a fresh spin on Bruce's (and, naturally, Gotham Girl's) trauma of losing their parents. Not only the best Batman Rebirth title, but the best Rebirth title at all so far. 

10/10

Quickfire Combo-Reviews: "Deadpool v Gambit" #4 / "Han Solo" #3 / "Captain America: Steve Rogers" #4

"Deadpool v Gambit" #4: Only picked that up again because both Marvel and DC hardly released anything that week. And yes, the moment Deadpool and Gambit do not even really appear in their own comic, we suddenly have a half-decent story at our hand, treating the inevitability of fate through the Scramblers backstory here. 

7/10

"Han Solo" #3: Fast, fun, entertaining and with a take on Han Solo that feels fresher than in any other of Marvel's "Star Wars" series.

8/10

"Captain America: Steve Rogers" #4: What does it have to do with "Civil War II" again? Never mind. It's solid, compelling and thoroughly narrated, but definitely has lost some of its magic from earlier issues.

7/10